In a landmark achievement that continues to elevate Nigeria’s place on the global music stage, Grammy-winning Nigerian superstar, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, professionally known as Wizkid, has made history by surpassing an estimated 20 billion global audio-on-demand streams.
This feat, confirmed by international music analytics platform ChartMasters, makes Wizkid the first African artist to reach this streaming milestone, underscoring not just his global appeal but also the unstoppable rise of Afrobeats as a dominant genre in contemporary world music.
A Giant Leap for Afrobeats
Wizkid’s music, a fusion of Afrobeat rhythms, R&B, reggae, and pop, has played a pivotal role in shaping the international soundscape over the past decade. His consistency in delivering chart-topping hits, genre-bending collaborations, and culturally rich lyrics has made him a household name in Africa and a trailblazer for African music worldwide.
His record-breaking journey exemplifies how Nigerian music, once considered niche on the global scene, is now a global export influencing mainstream artists, fashion, and youth culture.
The Stream King: Numbers That Speak
Wizkid’s most-streamed track is the chart-smashing “One Dance” by Canadian rapper Drake, which features both Wizkid and British singer Kyla. The song boasts over 3.628 billion streams on Spotify alone and holds a Guinness World Record as the first song to hit 1 billion streams on the platform.
Beyond that, Wizkid has also made headlines as the first African artist to receive the Brit Award, a prestigious recognition for surpassing 1 billion audio streams in the UK, another signal of his global influence.
Overall, he remains the best-selling Afrobeats artist of all time, with over 65 million units sold worldwide.
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More Than Music: A Cultural Ambassador
Wizkid’s accomplishments are more than personal victories; they symbolise Nigeria’s creative power and cultural richness. From the streets of Surulere in Lagos to sold-out arenas in London, Paris, and New York, his journey proves that African stories, sounds, and souls resonate with global audiences more than ever.
His success has also paved the way for a new generation of Afrobeats stars like Tems, Rema, and Ayra Starr, who are enjoying international breakthroughs.
By breaking barriers and records, Wizkid is setting new industry standards and redefining what it means to be an African artist on the world stage.
Wizkid’s record-breaking accomplishment is a personal triumph and a cultural celebration. It marks a new era for Nigerian music and Afrobeats, in which the world no longer simply watches but listens on repeat.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is Wizkid’s biggest global hit?
A: Wizkid’s biggest global hit is “One Dance” by Drake, which features him and Kyla. It has over 3.6 billion streams on Spotify and holds a Guinness World Record.
Q: How many streams does Wizkid have in total?
A: Wizkid has surpassed 20 billion audio-on-demand streams globally, across all credited lead and featured songs.
Q: Is Wizkid the first African artist to achieve this milestone?
A: Wizkid is the first African artist to hit the 20 billion global stream mark.
Q: Has Wizkid received any other international recognitions?
A: Yes. In addition to his Grammy win and multiple global awards, he is the first African to receive the Brit Billion Award for over 1 billion UK audio streams.
Q: What impact has Wizkid had on Nigerian music?
A: Wizkid has been a pioneer in globalising Afrobeats, inspiring countless Nigerian artists and expanding the reach of African music into international markets.
